Last week Karen took us into Felix’s courtroom as Tertullus, a slick lawyer of his day, accused Paul of some alleged misconduct. I’ve watched enough lawyer shows and movies to know that judges and lawyers employ tactics that are misguided and sometimes immoral. Karen’s question for us: Who you gonna trust?
If there’s injustice in your neighborhood,
who you gonna trust? The Father!
If there’s slick talking that sounds so good,
who you gonna trust? Lord Jesus!
If you like to shine or prefer to hide,
who you gonna trust? Holy Spirit!
Karen walked us through Aristotle’s use of ‘rhetoric’ used by lawyers to help them prove their case. After Tertullus’s weak arguments against Paul, Paul begins by appealing to Felix’s good nature. Paul, in a very articulate and accurate way, defended his actions. Even though Paul was in the ‘right,’ he knew that systems of government are not always just. He simply offered his best defense and then trusted God for the outcome. He had decided (as the song says) to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.
Questions to ponder:
- When we see injustice in our legal system and the marginalized mistreated, how can we respond?
- Do we ever get caught up in following a gifted speaker or writer only to be disappointed when (or if) that ‘top dog’ starts to go off the rails? What lessons do we learn when this happens?
- While in court, Paul simply gave his defense and the humbly trusted God for the outcome. How do we respond when we are treated unjustly (as Jesus, Paul, and so many others were)?
This week Karen continued the story in Acts 25 (two years later – so much for a speedy retrial) in which Paul appeared before Festus. Paul asks permission to appear before a higher authority, Claudius Ceasar (the emperor). He didn’t know if he would get a fair trial but knew that God is the ultimate authority.
It was decided Paul must first appear before King Agrippa who had intervened and advocated for Paul. Paul stood before Agrippa and gave his defense – giving his testimony and telling the story of the risen Savior. He poured out his heart as he shared his conversion story and the Gospel message. Jesus suffered, the first to rise from the dead, and offers His grace to humanity.
Our hope has an historical context. We have God’s assurance that we have a place in God’s family. He is LIFE, LIGHT, and LOVE – our living hope. Today (Sunday) we heard testimonies of God’s grace in the Mayhue, Parker, and Sculley families. Praise God for how He still works in our lives today.
We all have a story and a testimony. How can we share that life, light, and love this week? Let’s keep telling the stories of Good News.
With you on the journey,
Jim Roberson
Pastoral Care Team, Liberty Vineyard Church
(678) 469-8156
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